Representation

Representation

1) What is representation? Write a short paragraph about what you learnt about representation and stereotypes in Teen Drama films today.

Representation is the portrayal and description of someone or a particular thing such as the representation of teens in School/College often being stereotyped and negatively protrayed. I learn that most teen drama films use stereotypes to help relate and engage with the target audience.

2) Blog about 3 characters and their stereotypes from teen drama genre films, or other films you have seen (not the clip used today). How are they identified through the use of elements such a camera, miss-en-scene etc…?

An example could be in the teen film 'Bring it on', there is a popular cheerleader and a popular jock and this is shown through the use of camera as they are mostly in every scene hence the camera light and attention being on them. Through the use of miss-en-scene, they have props such as pom poms for the cheerleaders and a sport item for the popular jocky (basketball). They jocks also have jelled hair where as the cheerleaders are stereotypically presented  as the blonde bimbo. In the film Freaky Friday, Lindsay Lohan plays the unpopular girl and this is presented throughout the film through the use of mise-en-scene as she is more ordinary and 'plain' than the other girls in the film.

3) Are there any particular stereotypical characters for films you like/dislike and why?

I dislike the popular guys and girls presented in most teen drama films as they are all presented the same ; arrogant, stubborn and stuck up. I find it boring as they are all similar. However, i like the representation of the funny/weirdos because they are more interesting and amusing.